A video recently released by the Ukrainian NGO Come Back Alive captured the moment when a Shahed drone was shot down by a German-made Gepard air defense system.
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The Gepard, a self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicle, has become a crucial asset in protecting Ukraine’s airspace from the constant threat of Russian drones and missiles.
Equipped with two 35mm automatic cannons, the Gepard was used to shoot down the drone amidst the conflict, reinforcing the essential role of Ukraine’s air defense since the large-scale Russian invasion began in February 2022.
The video was accompanied by a statement from the Ukrainian organization: “One of our air defense units, which received over 10 million UAH in support from us, successfully neutralized an enemy drone this morning,” highlighted Come Back Alive, stressing the importance of collaboration between civilian support and military equipment in defense efforts.
Germany, one of Ukraine’s key allies, has supplied 52 Gepard systems in recent months, which have proven especially effective in defending against drones in urban areas and on the front lines. Additionally, air defense efforts were bolstered by the arrival of 60 Cheetah PRTL units, a Dutch modification of the Gepard, purchased by the United States from Jordan in early 2024.
The Gepard, with its rapid-fire capability and precision, has proven particularly effective against swarms of drones. A notable example was recorded near Odesa, where a Gepard unit shot down 10 Iranian drones in quick succession, demonstrating the system’s effectiveness in rapid-response operations against multiple targets.
However, despite battlefield success, Ukraine faces logistical challenges in maintaining the supply of 35mm ammunition required to keep the Gepard systems fully operational.
The shortage of ammunition remains a continuous challenge, and Ukrainian forces are focused on ensuring that their air defenses remain operational in the face of ongoing Russian threats.
Photo and video: X @BackAndAlive. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.